This abandoned state penitentiary has a rich and storied history that dates back to its original construction back in 1898. Interestingly, the prison was a strategically designed correctional facility that was supposed to be primarily focused on prisoner rehabilitation, rather than punishment. But unfortunately as the years passed on, it became more known for its harsh conditions, violence, and for its extreme brutality more than anything else.
The prison was originally built as a maximum-security prison and was intended to house the most dangerous criminals in the state, including murderers, kidnappers, and rapists. In direct response to the overwhelming number of violent prisoners being sent to the facility, the state built an execution chamber for death row inmates, which would go on to electrocute over 100 inmates and become one of the most notorious electric chairs in the entire country. By the early 1900s, the prison gained a painful reputation for its awful living conditions and its brutal inhumane treatment of the inmates.
Despite its murderous reputation, the prison was known for its architectural splendor and beauty, featuring Gothic-style stone towers, round turrets, and parapet walls that gave it a medieval castle-like appearance.
In addition to its massive imposing and intimidating exterior, the prison also had a number of notable inmates throughout its history.
One of the most infamous inmates was none other than James Earl Ray, who was convicted of assassinating Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968. Ray managed to escape from the prison in 1971, but was recaptured just a few days later.
Throughout the years, the prison underwent several renovations and additions to try and help accommodate the ever growing inmate population and to try and improve the prisons aging infrastructure, however, by the 1980s, the prison was in a serious state of disrepair and was permanently closed in 1992 primarily due to budget constraints and major overcrowding issues.
Since its closure, the prison has been featured in several movies and television shows, including "The Green Mile" "The Last Castle” and “Walk the Line.” The prison had also become a popular destination for ghost hunters and urban explorers, who are drawn to its storied history, its state of decay, the eerie atmosphere and reported paranormal activity. Unfortunately, in the years since its closure, the historic prison would make national headline news in recent years.
In 2020, a devastating tornado ripped through parts of the state leaving a path of destruction in its wake, including the old state prison. The tornado, with winds reaching over 150 miles per hour, caused extensive damage to the facility, leaving several buildings without roofs and completely collapsed.
The tornado tore through the prison, destroying its aging buildings, uprooting trees, and causing widespread chaos.
The aftermath of the tornado highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness and the challenges these places face when trying to preserve our nation’s history. It also underscored the vulnerability of these aging structures and just how susceptible they can be to natural disasters and mother natures furious wrath.
Today, although large sections are collapsed and seriously damaged, the old prison still stands as a haunting reminder of the tragic events that will forever remain part of the prisons historical legacy.
While the prison may no longer house inmates, its rusted bars, dilapidated corridors, and crumbling cellblocks, still bear the weight of the prison's troubled past.
In conclusion, the history of this once notorious state prison is a complex and fascinating tale of crime, punishment, and ultimately, redemption. While the prison may no longer serve its original purpose, its impact on the people and its inhabitants will never be forgotten.
As we come to the end of today’s video on this violent abandoned state prison, we hope that you all enjoyed it and maybe even learned a few things. For more photos, make sure you check out our website at abandonedcentral.com. And don’t forget to subscribe to Abandoned Central on KZfaq to get all of the latest videos. The support is always appreciated friends!